tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-131180122015-03-31T17:00:55.168-05:00Susan Polgar Global Chess Daily News and Information-- Bringing you updated, timely, fair, and objective chess daily news and information from around the globe --
www.ChessDailyNews.comChess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.comBlogger48249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-50292359753239516772015-03-31T16:00:00.000-05:002015-03-31T16:00:00.661-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XEdNZOCkBQ/VRo3tX2U5lI/AAAAAAAEdUo/PDsM0myHin0/s1600/Webster%2BUniversity%2B-%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChess%2BChampions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XEdNZOCkBQ/VRo3tX2U5lI/AAAAAAAEdUo/PDsM0myHin0/s1600/Webster%2BUniversity%2B-%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChess%2BChampions.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is the third year in a row the team has taken the top spot<br /><br />ST. LOUIS (MARCH 30, 2015) - Webster University's chess team won its third straight College Chess Final Four championship over the weekend. The Webster University's championship team is undefeated in all college chess matches for three years in a row.<br /><br />The win also set a new record for Coach Susan Polgar. This is the first time that a coach has headed five consecutive winning teams - three as the coach at Webster University and two as the coach at Texas Tech. She also is the first female coach to lead any men's college team to five straight national championships.<br /><br />"I am proud of the Webster University students who are able to compete on the national stage," said President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. "Chess is a global game and it's fitting that the three-time champions represent a global university."<br /><br />This year's president's cup challenge was held in New York City. Also known as the "Final Four of Chess," Webster University was the #1 seed going in to the competition, a ranking the team has had for three straight years. In order to qualify, Webster had to place in the top four of the annual Pan Am Challenge college chess tournament. Webster's team has won that championship three years in a row.<br /><br />Playing for Webster in the Final Four were Liem Le, Ray Robson, Illia Nyzhnyk, Vasif Durarbayli, Fidel Corrales Jimenez (first alternate) and Andre Diamant (second alternate). With the exception of Andre, all have been students at Webster since their freshman year. They faced teams from Texas Tech, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and University of Texas in Dallas.<br /><br />This year was the strongest finish for Webster University's team out of the past three championships. Collectively the team earned 10 points out of the 12 games played. Teams receive one point for each win, one-half point for a draw and no points for a loss. Webster had nine wins, four draws and no losses, giving the team 4.5 points more than UT Dallas, the second highest scoring team in the tournament. This is the largest point spread in Webster University's history for the President's Cup.<br /><br />"I am so proud of the students," Coach Polgar said. "The starting squad of two freshmen and two sophomores, with the assistance from their teammates, trained very hard for the past three months. Not only they won but they shattered a number of previous Final Four records. This is truly a team effort."<br /><br />She added that President Stroble visited the team the day before the competition, which boosted the students' confidence. For more information about Webster University's chess team, visit <a href="http://www.webster.edu/spice/chess-team/">http://www.webster.edu/spice/chess-team/</a>.<br /><br />With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (<a href="http://www.webster.edu/">www.webster.edu</a>) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses and a robust online learning program. Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-5476537473294102672015-03-31T14:30:00.000-05:002015-03-31T12:11:08.600-05:00Ukraine vs Russia in the WWC Final in Sochi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGh8U7mxet0/VRrUnyDQ4AI/AAAAAAAEdVg/WqIIf7CDXiE/s1600/Muzychuk%2Bsisters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGh8U7mxet0/VRrUnyDQ4AI/AAAAAAAEdVg/WqIIf7CDXiE/s1600/Muzychuk%2Bsisters.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Natalia Pogonina (Russia) and Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine) will fight for the title of <a href="http://www.chessdom.com/world-women-chess-2015-live/">FIDE World Women’s Champion in Sochi</a>. They qualified for the final match after a stunning tiebreaks day. At earlier stages Pogonina and Mariya Muzychuk were encouraging and supporting each other, and on April 2nd they will face each other for the highest women prize in chess.<br /><br />Natalia Pogonina will defend the honor of the hosts and Olympic gold winners Russia. She qualified <a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/#/game/stream/79601">after a dramatic 116 move thriller</a> against Pia Cramling (Sweden).<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk made a miraculous save in <a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/#/game/stream/79618">rapid game 3</a> and eliminated Harika Dronavalli (India).<br /><br />The tiebreaks were a climax point for the online audience. During the second game a total of 30,000 simultaneous viewers collected across the ChessArena.com viewers, making the FIDE World Championship in Sochi possibly the most viewed women chess event in history.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OumUPZJdvJo/VRrUuuRDILI/AAAAAAAEdVo/dATnt5OHbqs/s1600/Pogonina%2BNatalia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OumUPZJdvJo/VRrUuuRDILI/AAAAAAAEdVo/dATnt5OHbqs/s1600/Pogonina%2BNatalia.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-37900696422033580792015-03-31T13:00:00.001-05:002015-03-31T13:00:01.544-05:00Ray Robson on KSDK TV<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="390" id="flashObj" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isSlim=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=4144391308001&playerID=2733779351001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAACC1laJk~,tMO2d6O4midXPA-DDq5D0_iXG6B342R8&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isSlim=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=4144391308001&playerID=2733779351001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAACC1laJk~,tMO2d6O4midXPA-DDq5D0_iXG6B342R8&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="640" height="390" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-73014526397730564782015-03-31T10:00:00.000-05:002015-03-31T12:22:02.381-05:00Ray Robson, Anna Sharevich, and Katerina Nemcova on KPLR channel 11<script height="433px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=c660b791c3704ff69d4162d7adb7c4a1&amp;ec=V4cG45dDrnRT_tL7FnTyLMq_m1I33Ll7" width="770px"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-5559251632617660772015-03-31T09:00:00.003-05:002015-03-31T12:22:38.625-05:00Strong nerves required for a spot in the Women's World Championship Final<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-CMFIOJOrU/VRoNXOlIpqI/AAAAAAAEdUA/6MxrarOfXRA/s1600/Pogonina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-CMFIOJOrU/VRoNXOlIpqI/AAAAAAAEdUA/6MxrarOfXRA/s1600/Pogonina.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The SCC Galactica (Sochi, Krasnaya Polyana) hosted the second games of the Semifinals. The Russian Natalia Pogonina defeated Pia Cramling (Sweden) as White and equalized the match. The game between Harika Dronavalli (India) and Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine) ended in a draw. Both matches are tied, and their outcome will be determined on tie-breaks. <br /><br />In the recent years, Natalia Pogonina plays 1.d4 more frequently, however, today she needed to win on demand, and went for the more aggressive 1.е4. The players arrived at a very sharp line of the Paulsen variation of the Sicilian. On the move 8 White offered a pawn sacrifice, but Black declined the offer, aiming at a rather cramped but solid position. <br /><br />In the middlegame Black wasted a couple of tempi for purposeless queen maneuvers, helping White to rearrange her pieces for a direct attack. In addition, Cramling got into the time trouble, and therefore was not defending perfectly. White won a pawn, penetrated the enemy camp with her queen and finished the game with a nice tactical blow on the move 38. Black resigned due to inevitable material losses.<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli tried to break Mariya Muzychuk's armor in the Dutch defense. The Indian player arranged her pieces harmoniously and created unpleasant central pressure. However, she failed to use her advantage in the best way. White won a pawn, but the game transposed into a rook ending with four pawns against three, all on the same wing. Dronavalli's attempts to play for a win were void – Muzychuk defended accurately, and the game ended in a draw.<br /><br />The tie-breaks are played on March 31 and start with the following games: Cramling (Sweden) – Pogonina (Russia), and Dronavalli (India) – M. Muzychuk (Ukraine). All games start at 3 pm Moscow time. <br /><br />Live stream with grandmaster commentary is available in two languages (Russian and English) on the official site of the championship (<a href="http://sochi2015.fide.com/">http://sochi2015.fide.com</a>) and the Russian Chess Federation website (<a href="http://ruchess.ru/">http://ruchess.ru/</a>).</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-76801738097062820582015-03-31T09:00:00.002-05:002015-03-31T12:22:19.263-05:00Webster University / SPICE - Full and partial chess scholarships available<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DH5q5JvxPZg" width="640"></iframe><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> If you would like to be a part of the #1 College Chess program in the United States, please feel free to contact me (<a href="mailto:SusanPolgar@aol.com">SusanPolgar@aol.com</a>). Full and partial scholarships available for qualified student players.<br /><br /><b> Webster University – SPICE Chess Program Top 5 Facts</b><br /><br />1. Webster University has 10 Grandmasters from 9 different countries. The SPICE program has 4 World Champions, 12 Olympians, and 19 National Champions...<br /><br />2. Webster University chess team has been ranked #1 in Division I College Chess since its inception in August 2012 (with 4 freshmen and 1 sophomore on the A team), which is over 140 consecutive weeks. Webster University A team has never relinquished the top ranking and has never lost a match.<br /><br />3. Webster University team members won 2 world championships and 29 national titles in the past 2 years. Webster University won the last 3 straight Pan Am InterCollegiate Championships and Final Four Championships.<br /><br />4. Webster University sponsors and hosts the annual SPF Girls' Invitational, the most prestigious all-girls event in the U.S., as well as the annual prestigious SPICE Cup. Students of Webster University actively volunteer in the community to bring chess into schools. They, as a team, also maintain a very high GPA.<br /><br />5. The SPICE chess program has won 5 consecutive Final Four Championships, and has not lost a match in 4 straight Final Four Championships.<br /><br /><b>2014 - 2015 Webster University – SPICE chess team members</b><br /><br />1. GM Le Quang Liem (Vietnam) – World Blitz Champion, National Champion, Olympian<br />2. GM Wesley So (Philippines) – World University Champion, National Champion, Olympian (just turned pro after winning Millionaire Chess)<br />3. GM Illia Nyzhnyk (Ukraine) – National Champion, European Champion <br />4. GM Ray Robson (USA) – National Champion, Olympian<br />5. GM Georg Meier (Germany) – National Champion, Olympian, European Champion<br />6. GM Vasif Durarbayli (Azerbaijan) – World Youth Champion, National Champion, Olympiad<br />7. GM Fidel Corrales Jimenez (Cuba) – National Champion, Olympian<br />8. GM Manuel Leon Hoyos (Mexico) – National Champion, Olympian<br />9. GM Andre Diamant (Brazil) – National Champion, Olympian<br />10. GM Denes Boros (Hungary) – National Champion<br />11. GM-elect Ashwin Jayaram (India) – National Champion<br />12. IM Vitaly Neimer (Israel) – National Champion<br />13. FM Jake Banawa (USA) – National Champion<br />14. WGM Anna Sharevich (Belarus) – National Champion, Olympian<br />15. WGM Katerina Nemcova (Czech Republic) - National Champion, Olympian<br />16. WIM Inna Agrest (Sweden) – National Champion, Olympian<br />17. WFM Luisa Mercado (Colombia) – National Champion<br />18. Mara Kamphorst (Brazil) – National Champion <br />19. Paul M. Truong (USA) – National Champion <br />20. Tori Whatley (USA)<br />21. Reginald Jackson (USA) <br /><br />Webster students are around the world. There are 22,000+ students enrolled at Webster University - with students from 50 states and 148 countries around the world.<br /><br />Webster University offers academic excellence in more than 100 programs offered at a vibrant home campus and at locations throughout the world, with all the benefits of a student-centered education and a real-world perspective.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.webster.edu/">http://www.webster.edu</a><br /><br /><b>Experience Webster University — in two minutes</b><br /><br />A historic mission. An inviting home campus: Founded in 1915, with five students and a pioneering educational mission, Webster has a history of shaping the future of higher education.<br /><br />Local and global: With 22,000 students at locations around the world, Webster is defining global education for the future.<br /><br />Students from 50 states and 148 countries: You experience the diversity of the world in a richly educational way.<br /><br />Average class size: 10 : Small, highly interactive classes encourage innovation, collaboration, and self-expression.<br /><br />Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:9 : Students have all the advantages of a student-centered university that supports personalized learning and gives every student an opportunity to excel.<br /><br />Global locations: We have metropolitan, military, and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe, and North America. Our Study Abroad programs are ranked in the top 2 percent by U.S. News &amp; World Report's "America's Best Colleges 2013."<br /><br />163,000 Alumni: A growing and involved alumni community are connecting online, in-person, and at worldwide events.<br /><br />One and only: Webster is the only Tier 1, private, nonprofit university with campus locations around the world including metropolitan, military, online and corporate, plus traditional, American-style campuses in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.<br /><br />Diversity is a core value: Webster is one of the most diverse universities in the country, which is an enduring part of our history and central to our future.Undergraduate and graduate programs. More than 75 different majors and around 60 graduate programs in a supportive, educational environment that allows students to excel.<br /><br /><b>A global, Tier 1, private, nonprofit university</b><br /><br />* Global feature in academic programs. Globalized curriculum is our distinctive hallmark<br />* Academic programs engage your mind and stimulate your understanding beyond your home country and culture<br />* Every student experiences a global learning component<br />* Every student is exposed to a worldwide network of fellow students who live, work and study around the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia<br />* Learn in class today and apply it in real life tomorrow <br />* Five schools and colleges: <a href="http://www.webster.edu/arts-and-sciences/">Arts &amp; Sciences;</a> <a href="http://www.webster.edu/business-and-technology/">Business &amp; Technology;</a> <a href="http://www.webster.edu/communications/">Communications; </a><a href="http://www.webster.edu/education/">Education</a>; and <a href="http://www.webster.edu/fine-arts/">Fine Arts</a></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_N4KAWGg-E/VGlOonH01gI/AAAAAAAETtk/MjPr6i7tpLM/s1600/Webster%2B2014%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChess%2BChampions.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-E_N4KAWGg-E%2FVGlOonH01gI%2FAAAAAAAETtk%2FMjPr6i7tpLM%2Fs1600%2FWebster%252B2014%252BFinal%252BFour%252BChess%252BChampions.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" width="319" /></a><br /><br /><b>Titles won by Webster University - SPICE in the past 2 years </b><br /><br /><b>World Championships (2) </b><br /><br />June 2013 <br />- 2013 World Blitz Championship: 1st place (GM Le Quang Liem) <br /><br />July 2013 <br />- 2013 World University Championship: 1st place (GM Wesley So) <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l12lxQnq4BI/VGlOf9NKoYI/AAAAAAAETtc/ZIXgdBc-G90/s1600/National%2BChamps%2B2013.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-l12lxQnq4BI%2FVGlOf9NKoYI%2FAAAAAAAETtc%2FZIXgdBc-G90%2Fs1600%2FNational%252BChamps%252B2013.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><b>National Championships (29) </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />August 2012 <br />- 2012 U.S. Open Championship: 1st place (GM Manuel Leon Hoyos) <br />- 2012 U.S. Open Rapid (g/15) Championship: 1st place (GM Andre Diamant and IM Vitaly Neimer) <br />- 2012 U.S. Open Blitz Championship: 1st place (GM Andre Diamant), 2nd place (GM Anatoly Bykhovsky) <br /><br />December 2012 <br />- 2012 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Both A and B team tied for 1st place <br />- 2012 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Top reserve player (GM Manuel Leon Hoyos) <br /><br />April 2013 <br />- 2013 College Chess Final Four: 1st place (GMs Georg Meier, Wesley So, Ray Robson, Fidel Corrales Jimenez, Manuel Leon Hoyos, and Anatoly Bykhovsky) <br /><br />June 2013 <br />- 2013 National Open: 1st place (GMs Wesley So and Manuel Leon Hoyos)<br />- 2013 National Open Blitz Championship: 1st place (GM Wesley So)<br />- 2013 National G/10 Championship at National Open: 1st place (GM Wesley So) <br /><br />August 2013 <br />- 2013 US Open G/15 Championship: 1st place (GM Manuel Leon Hoyos) <br />- 2013 US Open Blitz Championship: 1st place (GM Manuel Leon Hoyos) <br /><br />October 2013 <br />- 2013 US National G/30 Championship: 1st place (GM Georg Meier) <br />- 2013 US National G/60 Championship: 1st place (GM Georg Meier) <br /><br />December 2013 <br />- 2013 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: 1st place (A team won with a perfect 6-0 score) <br />- 2013 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Top board 1 (GMs Le Quang Liem, Fidel Corrales Jimenez) <br />- 2013 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Top board 2 (GM Anatoly Bykhovsky) <br />- 2013 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Top board 3 (GM Wesley So) <br />- 2013 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Top board 4 (GM Ray Robson) <br />- 2013 PanAm Intercollegiate Championship: Top overall performance (GM Wesley So)<br /><br />April 2014 <br />- 2014 College Chess Final Four: 1st place (GMs Le Quang Liem, Wesley So, Georg Meier, Ray Robson, Fidel Corrales Jimenez, and Anatoly Bykhovsky)<br /><br />June 2014<br />- 2014 National Open Blitz Championship: 1st place (GM Wesley So)<br /><br />July 2014<br />- 2014 World Open: 1st place tie (GM Illia Nyzhnyk)<br /><br />August 2014<br />- 2014 US Open: 1st place tie (GM Illia Nyzhnyk)<br /><br />December 2014<br /><br />- 2014 PanAm InterCollegiate Championship: 1st place (A team scored 5.5 - 0.5)<br />- 2014 PanAm InterCollegiate Championship: Top board 1 (IM Ashwin Jayaram)<br />- 2014 PanAm InterCollegiate Championship: Top board 2 (GM Illia Nyzhnyk)<br />- 2014 PanAm InterCollegiate Championship: Top board 3 (Ray Robson)<br />- 2014 PanAm InterCollegiate Championship: Top board 4 (Andre Diamant)<br /><br />March 2015<br /><br />-2015 College Chess Final Four: 1st place (GMs Le Quang Liem, Ray Robson, Illya Nyzhnyk, Vasif Durarbayli, Fidel Corrales Jimenez, Andre Diamant)</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hHq_33Mp_g/VRoVNYGlKdI/AAAAAAAEdUQ/u0o8Lu1EQs8/s1600/Webster%2BU%2BChess%2BFinal%2BFour%2B3-peat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hHq_33Mp_g/VRoVNYGlKdI/AAAAAAAEdUQ/u0o8Lu1EQs8/s1600/Webster%2BU%2BChess%2BFinal%2BFour%2B3-peat.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-17234063713373790022015-03-31T09:00:00.001-05:002015-03-31T09:00:03.850-05:00Polish Championship LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/717?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-73064874909595767182015-03-31T09:00:00.000-05:002015-03-31T09:00:04.735-05:00Polish Women's Championship LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/718?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-513279883931028802015-03-31T07:00:00.001-05:002015-03-31T07:00:11.283-05:00Women's World Championship in Sochi LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/696?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-74470460167582949672015-03-31T07:00:00.000-05:002015-03-31T07:00:05.927-05:00Aeroflot Open LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/709?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-9004979738463482642015-03-31T02:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T22:52:25.272-05:00Chess accuracy tactic<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q0lTtPVTG40/SX81g_kc6_I/AAAAAAAAngU/T0-hSHwEyEE/s1600-h/New+game+1272009+102335+AM.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q0lTtPVTG40/SX81g_kc6_I/AAAAAAAAngU/T0-hSHwEyEE/s400/New+game+1272009+102335+AM.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />White to move. What is the best continuation for White?<br /><br />r3r2R/1b2k3/pn2N3/3pN3/1b1P4/np6/5P2/2RK1B2 w - - 0 1</span><br /><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-25716474441470900292015-03-31T00:01:00.001-05:002015-03-31T00:56:03.545-05:00How to Build Your 1. d4 Repertoire - GM Jan Gustafsson ... and more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFiamAE2c-Q/VRo25apIf7I/AAAAAAAEdUg/kt-vE_xKoHc/s1600/Chess%2Bpieces-002c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFiamAE2c-Q/VRo25apIf7I/AAAAAAAEdUg/kt-vE_xKoHc/s1600/Chess%2Bpieces-002c.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://onlinechesslessons.net/2015/03/30/on-magnus-carlsen-gms-gustafsson-jussupov/">On Magnus Carlsen - GMs Gustafsson / Jussupov</a><br /><br />Posted on March 30,2015 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy &amp; Game Review, All Articles w/ Videos. Improve by studying the games of the World Champion! In the "On Magnus Carlsen" video series, the GMs Gustafsson and Jussupov show you the current world number one chess player and World Champion in a dazzling series of games. These games chronicle his rise as a player and show his improvement from the past up to the current day. The Grandmasters presenting the material are also highly regarded players and do a terrific job of explaining the thin[...]<br /><br /><a href="http://onlinechesslessons.net/2015/03/27/typical-play-french-white-part-ii/">Typical play in French for White (Part II)</a><br /><br />Posted on March 27,2015 By GM Levan Aroshidze in Strategy &amp; Game Review. The French middle game is rich with strategic and dynamic ideas. Even during the opposite castles, it is not so clear whether white has to attack the king or has to play against the Black's "bad bishop". In the end, everything depends on the concrete position. Black normally tries to exchange his bad bishop and develop initiative on the queenside. Let's analyze typical middle game position that arose in my game against GM Peralta. Aroshidze 2537[...]<br /><br /><a href="http://onlinechesslessons.net/2015/03/26/how-to-build-your-1-d4-repertoire-gm-jan-gustafsson/">How to Build Your 1. d4 Repertoire - GM Jan Gustafsson</a><br /><br />Posted on March 26,2015 By OnlineChessLessons.NET Contributor in Strategy &amp; Game Review, Chess Openings, All Articles w/ Videos. Use 1. d4 as a strong weapon against your opponent! In the video series, "How to Build Your 1. d4 Repertoire", GM Jan Gustafsson teaches you about all the different openings that can be played against 1. d4 and how white can combat each one of them. Jan focuses a lot on being unpredictable by not playing the same exact line in every game against black and emphasizes how the best players in the world are also the most flexible. He also shows you h[...]<br /><br /><a href="http://onlinechesslessons.net/2015/03/25/typical-play-french-white-part/">Typical play in French for White (Part I)</a><br /><br />Posted on March 25,2015 By GM Levan Aroshidze in Strategy &amp; Game Review, Chess Openings, General Chess Articles, Beginner's Corner. Nowadays French Defence is again becoming popular on the high level. We see new ideas and theoretical discussions in almost every line of this playing system. Weakness of this opening setup is the passive light-squared bishop on c8, but as a compensation, - Black gets active play in the center. Let's analyze one of my recent games against the strong GM Peralta. Aroshidze 2537 - Peralta 2582 C 11 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 One of the main continua[...]<br /><br />OnlineChessLessons.net is a producer of thousands of <a href="http://www.onlinechesslessons.net/blog/">free chess articles</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/onlinechesslessons/">free chess videos</a> by FIDE chess masters. They recently released the renowned <a href="http://www.onlinechesslessons.net/shop/product-category/chess-dvds/empire-chess/">Empire Chess series</a> that has been taking the chess world by storm. Please consider checking out their <a href="http://www.onlinechesslessons.net/blog/">chess blog</a> and <a href="http://www.onlinechesslessons.net/shop/">chess shop</a> with tons of free updated previews.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>OnlineChessLessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01515803617532255304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-81893166220101729412015-03-30T23:30:00.000-05:002015-03-30T21:50:03.940-05:00Chess is a global game and it’s fitting that the 3-time champions represent a global university<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrwi97gKLic/VRoKmaTWxYI/AAAAAAAEdT0/7ZXRbNDkRck/s1600/Webster%2BU%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChamps%2B2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrwi97gKLic/VRoKmaTWxYI/AAAAAAAEdT0/7ZXRbNDkRck/s1600/Webster%2BU%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChamps%2B2015.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Webster University Chess Team Wins Third Consecutive National Championship</b><br />March 30, 2015<br /><br />Webster University’s chess team won its third straight College Chess Final Four championship over the weekend. The championship team is now undefeated in all college chess matches for three years in a row.<br /><br />The win also set a new record for Coach Susan Polgar. This is the first time that a coach has headed five consecutive winning teams – three as the coach at Webster University and two as the coach at Texas Tech. She also is the first female coach to lead any college team to five straight national championships.<br /><br />“I am proud of the Webster University students who are able to compete on the national stage,” said President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. “Chess is a global game and it’s fitting that the three-time champions represent a global university.”<br /><br />This year’s President’s Cup challenge was held in New York City. Also known as the “Final Four of Chess,” Webster University was the No. 1 seed going into the competition, a ranking the team has had for three straight years. In order to qualify, Webster had to place in the top four of the annual Pan Am Challenge college chess tournament. Webster’s team <a href="http://blogs.webster.edu/webstertoday/2015/01/06/pan-am-third-championship/">has won that championship three years in a row</a>.<br /><br />Playing for Webster in the Final Four were Liem Le, Ray Robson, Illia Nyzhnyk, Vasif Durarbayli, Fidel Corrales Jimenez (first alternate) and Andre Diamant (second alternate).<br /><br />With the exception of Diamant, all have been students at Webster since their freshman year. They faced teams from Texas Tech, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and University of Texas in Dallas.<br /><br />This year was the strongest finish for Webster University’s team out of the past three championships. Collectively the team earned 10 points out of the 12 games played. Teams receive one point for each win, one-half point for a draw and no points for a loss.<br /><br />Webster had nine wins, four draws and no losses, giving the team 4.5 points more than UT Dallas, the second highest scoring team in the tournament. This is the largest point spread in Webster University’s history for the President’s Cup.<br /><br />“I am so proud of the students,” Polgar said. “The starting squad of two freshmen and two sophomores, with the assistance from their teammates, trained very hard for the past three months. Not only they won but they shattered a number of previous Final Four records. This is truly a team effort.”<br /><br />She added that President Stroble visited the team the day before the competition, which boosted the students’ confidence.<br /><br />For more information about Webster University’s chess team, visit <a href="http://www.webster.edu/spice/chess-team/">www.webster.edu/spice/chess-team</a>.<br /><br />View more <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/+SusanPolgarChess/albums/6131297524221202897">photos from the competition and homecoming here</a>.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-3519043463447897442015-03-30T23:28:00.002-05:002015-03-30T23:28:56.997-05:001 more day before Millionaire Chess lower entry fees deadline ends<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ln-4k-Fg0_M" width="640"></iframe> <br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />1 more day to take advantage of lower entry fees to MC2: <a href="https://millionairechess.com/register"><b>https://millionairechess.com/register</b></a><br /><br />I hope Millionaire Chess stages a lot of million dollar events across the world. The format for the event guarantees a nail-biting finish. A great development for chess.<b><i> - Yasser Seirawan, 4 time U.S. Champion</i></b><br /> <br />The Millionaire Chess Open exceeded my expectations and set what I hope will be a NEW standard for professional chess events! <b><i>- Adia Onyango, Participant</i></b><br /><br />The MC team did an outstanding job to follow through their promise to make it a memorable event for the players and their families. We are anxiously waiting for the next one! <b><i>- Zeba Ibrahim, Chess Mom</i></b><br /><br />Best tournament I've ever participated in, by a huge margin. - Jones Murphy, Participant<br />Millionaire Chess is a game changer in chess. <b><i>- Bruce Tendai Mubayiwa, AfricaChess.net</i></b><br /><br /><b>ABOUT MILLIONAIRE CHESS</b><br /><br />Millionaire Chess is committed to revolutionizing the conventional models of chess tournaments globally. We believe in providing chess players with the respect they deserve and rewarding them for the time, effort, energy, and resources that they invest in the game. By holding high stakes tournaments in destination capitals, we intend to encourage players of all ages and skill levels to play, study and enjoy the game they love. Our mission is to run the best chess tournaments the world has ever seen and to help raise the bar for chess tournaments worldwide.<br /><br /><b>TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</b><br /><br /><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://millionairechess.com/tournament-schedule">Tournament Schedule</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/register">Registration</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/registration-list-mc2">List of participants</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/tournament-policies">Tournament policies</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/playing-venue">Playing venue</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/prizes">Prizes</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/tie-break-playoffs">Tiebreak Playoffs</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/rating-rules-mc2">Rating rules for MC#2</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/refund-policy">Refund policy</a><br /><a href="https://millionairechess.com/faq">FAQ</a></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-24301348026974924362015-03-30T21:30:00.000-05:002015-03-30T21:50:22.983-05:00Chess support for girls in Pittsburgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSLrO-9YuPc/VRoIuiHuTrI/AAAAAAAEdTo/Oo7BoqGzQfg/s1600/0%2BFiona%2Bteaches%2Bchess.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSLrO-9YuPc/VRoIuiHuTrI/AAAAAAAEdTo/Oo7BoqGzQfg/s1600/0%2BFiona%2Bteaches%2Bchess.tif" height="265" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Pittsburgh chess tournament supports girls<br />Posted: Monday, March 30, 2015 2:00 am | Updated: 8:57 pm, Mon Mar 30, 2015.<br />Nerine Sivagnanam / Staff Writer<br /><br />Armed with kings, queens, knights and pawns, girls are defying the idea that chess is a man’s game.<br /><br />On Saturday, girls between second and eighth grade gathered at Oakland Catholic High School in North Oakland to participate in a chess tournament. <br /><br />The free event was organized by Pitt freshman Anjana Murali, who is also a staff writer for The Pitt News. The ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative, a partnership between Ann Taylor LOFT and Vital Voices, which invests in leadership programs for women, gave Murali a $1,850 grant to put on the event.<br /><br />Three teams competed based on ability, ranging from beginner to advanced, and were coached by Pitt and Duquesne students.<br /><br />John Ahlborg, a Pitt senior majoring in neuroscience and pharmacy, taught the girls how to play the game and encouraged them to stimulate their thinking and learn how to problem-solve. He taught them how to win using specific game strategies.<br /><br />“I play chess on my own, and I wanted to start teaching it a little,” Ahlborg said. “The chess tournament was a great idea for a great cause.”<br /><br />Jeff Flohr, the event coordinator and a former teacher at Oakland Catholic High School, said the event promotes gender empowerment.<br /><br />“The goal of this event is to emphasize that chess is gender neutral,” Flohr said. “It’s also to encourage the girls to play chess even though it is perceived as a male sport.” <br /><br />The three groups played together, learning from each other and making new friends. As the girls played, they laughed while remaining competitive and focused. Several girls prodded each other on and insisted that their opponents take their turns faster. Many of the young women said they enjoyed chess and already knew how to play. <br /><br />Olivia Oleary, a third grader from Environmental Charter School participating in the chess tournament, said she usually plays chess with her dad and brother. <br /><br />“The tournament sounded really fun, and I wanted to get better at chess,” Oleary said.<br /><br />Eila Weathington, another third grader in the tournament, also wanted to improve her chess skills.<br /><br />“I thought the tournament would be cool, and I wanted to learn other people’s playing styles and techniques,” Weathington said.<br /><br />The older facilitators admired the capabilities of these young girls. <br /><br />Kaitlyn Loh, a Pitt freshman majoring in psychology and volunteer at the event, said she was impressed by the young women and their knowledge of the game. <br /><br />“I’m really impressed by how mature these girls are,” Loh said. <br /><br />At the end of the tournament, all the girls participating received a free T-shirt — designed by Murali — a free chess set, a medal and some new chess-playing friends.<br /><br />Loh explained that even though the chess tournament wasn’t specifically designed to teach the girls to take initiative and be good leaders, the girls still took away these skills at the end of the tournament. <br /><br />“We saw one of the girls teaching a younger girl how to play, and she took initiative to be a leader,” said Loh. “We didn’t have to tell them to do any of that. They did that on their own.”<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.pittnews.com/news/article_ccc5a5ba-d6a0-11e4-823f-7fa281e50092.html">http://www.pittnews.com</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-78022121494903175542015-03-30T17:30:00.001-05:002015-03-30T19:45:08.706-05:00Pogonina: My opponent went into a variation that is considered dangerous for Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHanrm4KV2U/VRmqerHOguI/AAAAAAAEdSo/FtqmcRY81hU/s1600/Natalia%2BPogonina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHanrm4KV2U/VRmqerHOguI/AAAAAAAEdSo/FtqmcRY81hU/s1600/Natalia%2BPogonina.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://sochi2015.fide.com/en/main-page">http://sochi2015.fide.com/en/main-page</a><br /><br />Natalia Pogonina managed to come back for the third time at the World Championship, defeating Pia Cramling with a swift attack. After the game Natalia came to the press center for an interview.<br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Natalia, this is the third time you win on demand at this championship! How did you do it today?<br /><br />Natalia Pogonina: My opponent went into a variation that is considered dangerous for Black – a strange choice in a situation when you need a draw to advance. We arrived at a complicated position with good attacking chances for White. My maneuvering was probably not ideal, but her 17...Qc5 gave me a tempo for 18.Nb3 and 19.Nd2, after which White should have a very comfortable edge. <br /><br />After that I had so many tempting continuations that it was difficult to choose between them, that's why I took so much time for my moves.<br /><br />– Yet Pia was spending more time than you, and in the end you had some extra time on the clock, which allowed you to calculate the nice finale! Or did you see it instantly?<br /><br />– No, I discovered 38.Nd7+ only after some thought. I had 10 minutes left, so I could afford using some of this time.<br /><br />– It must be very pleasing to end the game in such fashion...<br /><br />– I would take any win, to be honest.<br /><br />– On the move 28, did you consider other ideas apart from 28.f4?<br /><br />– I calculated some knight leaps, but eventually decided to strengthen my base on e5, and then push the h-pawn. It looked a solid plan to me.<br /><br />– What about 28.Rxc4?<br /><br />– I looked into it, but not very deeply. Now I see that I don't have to regain an exchange after 28...Qxc4 29.Nd6, but can simply continue the attack. Looks good for White, too.<br /><br /><img height="266" src="http://sochi2015.fide.com/images/stories/news1/IMG_5955.JPG" width="400" /><br /><br />– Which of the three matches you saved on demand was the most difficult?<br /><br />– All of them were difficult – there were tough opponents, and I needed to win... I don't want to single out any of them.<br /><br />– What is your mood before the tie-break? What color do you have in the first game?<br /><br />– My mood is good as usual. I will play Black in the first game.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-4114543096638919102015-03-30T16:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T16:00:00.206-05:00Playoff tomorrow to determine WWC finalists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1suTJmZR88/VRmduAoxIQI/AAAAAAAEdSM/3KQaVvyjDyo/s1600/Natalia%2BPoginina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1suTJmZR88/VRmduAoxIQI/AAAAAAAEdSM/3KQaVvyjDyo/s1600/Natalia%2BPoginina.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Semifinal game 2 results</b><br /><br />Harika, Dronavalli (IND) ½-½ Muzychuk, Mariya (UKR) 1-1<br />Pogonina, Natalija (RUS) 1-0 Cramling, Pia (SWE) 1-1<br /><br />After 2 games, both matches are tied at 1-1. There will be a rapid / blitz / Armageddon playoff tomorrow to determine the two finalists.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-72978338918410499222015-03-30T14:30:00.000-05:002015-03-30T19:45:19.002-05:00Chess Improvement: Attacking brilliancy at the World Women Chess 2015 presented by GM Kuljasevic<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-o5Gb2uh7E" width="640"></iframe> <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L-BEsIayAxI" width="640"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-19707872760500432892015-03-30T13:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T14:46:11.780-05:00More playoff to determine the WWC finalists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pWFLUZP7bo/VRmG6fm064I/AAAAAAAEdR8/PXJo8ZrQhXU/s1600/Harika%2BDronovalli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pWFLUZP7bo/VRmG6fm064I/AAAAAAAEdR8/PXJo8ZrQhXU/s1600/Harika%2BDronovalli.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />World Women's Chess: Harika draws against Mariya, duel enters tie-breaker<br />IANS | Chennai <br />March 30, 2015 Last Updated at 22:30 IST<br /><br />Indian chess Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli on Monday drew against Ukraine Women GM (WGM) Mariya Muzychuk in 78 moves in the World Women's Chess Championship 2015 semi-final at Sochi in Russia.<br /><br />In the other return semi-final game, Russian WGM Natalija Pogonina took sweet revenge for her loss on Sunday by defeating Swedish GM Pia Cramling in 38 moves.<br /><br />The contests between the semi-finalists now enters the tie-breaker. The two finalists will emerge in the play-offs on Tuesday.<br /><br />Playing white pieces, Dronavalli -- with FIDE Elo rating 2492 and ranked 16th in the world -- opened the game by putting her knight at f3 square.<br /><br />The Ukraine opted for Dutch defence and pushed her 'f' pawn two squares forward.<br /><br />"In the Dutch defence, Muzychuk has chosen a sideline variation and not the mainline," WGM Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman told IANS.<br /><br />According to Subbaraman, both the players have contrasting styles.<br /><br />"While Mariya is more open and aggressive, as could be seen from the choice of defence, Harika is a positional player," Subbaraman said.<br /><br />"To win in the knockout format, players need to play smart and steady chess. Gambling may yield short-term dividends but will not work overall," Susan Polgar, a four-time women's world chess champion, told IANS.<br /><br />"Harika has played steady chess so far and that is why she is still in it. In this game, she is playing solidly for results. I like her choice of opening. She is controlling the pace of this game. If her opponent does not play accurately, she (Harika) will take advantage of that," Polgar added.<br /><br />On the 7th move, both took their kings to safety by castling.<br /><br />Both players also fianchettoed all their bishops.<br /><br />However, Dronavalli started lagging on time unlike on Sunday when she had the time advantage during the first half of the game.<br /><br />Soon Mariya started pushing her queen-side pawns thereby opening up the space.<br /><br />On the 30th move, the Ukrainian went for exchange of queens and seven moves later the players traded one of their rooks.<br /><br />At this position, each player had a rook. Dronavalli had four connected pawns to Muzychuk's three.<br /><br />"Though Harika had a slender advantage throughout the game, it was not enough to win," Subbaraman said.<br /><br />The semi-final contests consist of two games. If the score after two games remains equal, the match is continued in the tie-break.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/world-women-s-chess-harika-draws-against-mariya-duel-enters-tie-breaker-115033001060_1.html">http://www.business-standard.com</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-70801027340906555282015-03-30T09:30:00.000-05:002015-03-30T14:06:58.390-05:003 straight for Webster, 5 straight Final Four Championships for SPICE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvWnZMAHC3M/VQBxTUzxUUI/AAAAAAAEb34/9x6GLAxPysI/s1600/Webster%2BU%2BChess%2BFinal%2BFour%2B3-peat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvWnZMAHC3M/VQBxTUzxUUI/AAAAAAAEb34/9x6GLAxPysI/s1600/Webster%2BU%2BChess%2BFinal%2BFour%2B3-peat.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photos:&nbsp;<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/116302832360230031699/2015CollegeChessFinalFour">https://picasaweb.google.com/116302832360230031699/2015CollegeChessFinalFour</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Round 1 results: Webster 3.5 - 0.5 UMBC</b><br /><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79156">Niclas Huschenbeth vs Liem Le [1/2-1/2]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79157">Ray Robson vs Tanguy Ringoir [1-0]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79158">Akshayraj Kore vs Illya Nyzhnyk [0-1]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79159">Yasif Durarbayli vs Levan Bregadze [1-0]</a><br /><br /><b>Round 2 results: Webster 3.5 - 0.5 UTD</b><br /><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79188">Liem Le vs George Margvelashvili [1-0]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79189">Leonid Kritz vs Ray Robson [0-1]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79190">Illya Nyzhnyk vs Conrad Holt [1/2-1/2]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79191">Valentin Yotov vs Yasif Durarbayli [0-1]</a><br /><br /><b>Round 3 results: Webster 3.0 - 1.0 TTU</b><br /><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79380">Liem Le vs Yaroslav Zherebukh [1-0]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79381">Elshan Moradiabadi vs Ray Robson [1/2-1/2]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79382">Illya Nyzhnyk vs Andrey Gorovets [1/2-1/2]</a><br /><a href="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/720?embed=580&amp;ba=1#/game/stream/79383">Samy Shoker vs Yasif Durarbayli [0-1]</a><br /><br /><b>Final standings</b><br /><br />1. Webster 10 pts<br />2. UTD 5.5 pts<br />3. TTU 4.5 pts<br />4. UMBC 4.0 pts<br /><br />With 10 points, the team broke the all time Final Four record of 9.5 points which our team scored in the past 2 years. In addition, the 4.5 point winning margin is the largest ever (beating our own record of winning by 2.5 points in the past 2 years). This is in spite of not having our #1 Wesley So and #3 Georg Meier from last year!<br /><br />Congratulations to the students for their hard work and dedication for excellence!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bHDiiKWBAI/VRjFIOOuQGI/AAAAAAAEdPE/kqZ64w6MV58/s1600/Webster%2BU%2B-%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChamps%2B2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bHDiiKWBAI/VRjFIOOuQGI/AAAAAAAEdPE/kqZ64w6MV58/s1600/Webster%2BU%2B-%2BFinal%2BFour%2BChamps%2B2015.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-12295608030316627242015-03-30T09:00:00.003-05:002015-03-30T14:07:29.407-05:00Pia Cramling and her endgame rules<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFXYD_e8hUY/VRjdgMahLcI/AAAAAAAEdQ4/RhMbUGYTzxE/s1600/Pia%2BCramling%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFXYD_e8hUY/VRjdgMahLcI/AAAAAAAEdQ4/RhMbUGYTzxE/s1600/Pia%2BCramling%2B(2).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anastasia Karlovich: Dear chess friends. We are in the press center. And Pia Cramling came here to share with us her impressions <a href="http://sochi2015.fide.com/en/main-page/469-the-semifinals-started-at-the-womens-world-championship-in-sochi">after the game against Natalia Pogonina</a>. Pia, first of all, did your preparations work out today? How was the game? <br /><br />Pia Cramling: I thought it would be nice possibility we would play this opening. She has played it before. I thought it would be quiet and long game. Nothing more than that. What happened is that we went to an endgame which quickly became a little better for me. It was pleasant position for me. Slowly I improved. When I got this rook ending, where she could only make Kd8, Kd7, it was fantastic position for me. <br /><br />But it took me long to decide where I should place my h pawn, whether it should be on h5 or continue on h3. Then I found the right move. But I think in the end I should have played more correct. I don’t think I played well in the end. But of course I am very happy that I won the game. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: You have a lot of experience playing the endgames. Do you think it helped you today?<br /><br />Pia Cramling: Yes, I guess this is one of the advantages that helped me. Indeed I played a lot of such endgames. I think the way to learn endgames is just to play them. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Is it a basic rule of this endgame, when you have small advantage, when you press a little bit but still you are far from the victory. <br /><br />Pia Cramling: You need to have active pieces. You should find more targets. When I put a pawn on h5, there was a target on h6. It was quite logical that pawn should go further. <br /><br /><img src="http://sochi2015.fide.com/images/stories/news1/IMG_5359.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: What do you think, maybe she had to take on h4? <br /><br />Pia Cramling: Maybe, but then I could have a possibility to enter with my king to f4. And she would have to play f6. But she has a danger to be in zugzwang. I will go Kf5. So, I think it was nice position for me. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Tomorrow you are playing with black pieces. What is your plan for tomorrow? What is your strategy? <br /><br />Pia Cramling: I don’t know, I will just try to play good chess. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: We wish you all the best tomorrow. Thank you so much.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-90438571097486225912015-03-30T09:00:00.002-05:002015-03-30T14:07:16.797-05:00Press conference with Harika Dronavalli and Mariya Muzychuk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7M22Dbnoqmg/VRjeHwwY-TI/AAAAAAAEdRA/if59682FUN4/s1600/FIDE%2BChess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7M22Dbnoqmg/VRjeHwwY-TI/AAAAAAAEdRA/if59682FUN4/s1600/FIDE%2BChess.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://sochi2015.fide.com/en/main-page">http://sochi2015.fide.com/en/main-page</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anastasia Karlovich: Hello, dear chess friends. We are in the press center of the Women’s World Chess Championship. Our guests are Harika Dronavalli and Mariya Muzychuk. Their first game of the semifinal match finished in a draw. Can you say a few words about today’s game? Harika can you tell us about the opening, this variation with 4...Bb4? It seemed to be your home preparation?<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: It was a side variation. White should have a slight initiative. But she just has to find the correct plan. I am not sure if 15.Ncd5 is correct move. I think it is too quick to give me a chance to exchange. At least that’s what I think. Here, I thought anytime I am going to take on c6, it is going to be too passive. She will have a good position and will keep playing. So I decided to make this d5-pawn isolated and try to keep some chances. <br /><br />So, to my mind, she had to be very careful about this d5 pawn. I felt some weakness to target. I don’t know how good was 20...h5. Over the board I felt it is quite practical to play it. I calculated this variation and it was ok to my mind. <br /><br /><br />But after 25.h3 I started to misplay. 26...Ke7 was still ok. But then 27...Ra5 was not a good move. Better was 27...Nxd5+ 28.Kxe4 c6 29.Be2 and here at least I have 29...h4.<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: I don’t think white has an advantage in this position. It’s equal.<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: That’s what I felt as well. But variation I played was really bad. I can even include in the same variation (27...Nxd5+) the move 29...b5. It’s all the same, but at least my rook could have been in a better position. But in the variation I played I moved my rook on a wrong square and I gave her tempo. Later because of 27...Ra5 she was slightly better. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Masha, how did you estimate your position? Can you show us some critical moments to your mind?<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: I liked my position here. But probably 29...h4 was better instead of 29...c6. And after that c6 is possible. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: Yes, I saw it as well. But I thought 29...h4 30.Kf3 (with next Kg4). 30...Ra4, 31.Rc4 maybe.&nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I shouldn't have allowed this 30.g4. I thought she is getting in with the king - Kf3, Kg4. Maybe I was wrong. I should not have played 29...c6. <br /><br /><img src="http://sochi2015.fide.com/images/stories/news1/IMG_5352.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: After 30.g4, taking on g4, what do you think about your position?<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: During the game I thought my position was much better. I expected to win this game. But black had many tricks and I started to think and spent a lot of time. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: After I made a move (33...Nf6+) I expected only 34.Kf3. Only later I realized that 34.Kf5 is also possible. Maybe 34.Kf3 Rh8 is the move after that. <br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: Then 35.Re1 Kf8 36.Kg3 d5. Yes, there is a counter play. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: I think 34.Kf5 is quite strong move over the board practically. <br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: Here after 36.Re6 I expected 36...Nd7+ 37. Kg5 Nc5.<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: But here if I continue this line, at one point after 38.Re3 I can’t stop the pawns. I thought it would be difficult, for if my knight doesn’t come back to my pawns.<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: You could have played 38...d5 there. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: Then 39.f5 d4 40.Rh3 d3 41.Bd1 with idea b4, but there is 41...Ne4+<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: Very dangerous knight still. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: I thought if my knight is far from passed pawns, it is easier for my opponent to play. That’s why I decided to take it. <br /><br />Later I don’t know what was happening there if 38.Rf6 Nh3+ 39.Kf5, maybe 39.Kg6 even. This ending is crazy completely. Difficult one. <br /><br /><img src="http://sochi2015.fide.com/images/stories/news1/_MG_4797.JPG" height="266" width="400" /><br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: In general, what black should do? Keep the rooks or change them?<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: If possible, I would like to keep my rooks. But the position was very concrete. I think after 41.Re2 white was clearly better. <br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: 41...c5 is a very strong move. I calculated 42.Be6+ Kd6 43.Bf5 and then 43...Ne5 44.Rd2+ Kc6. But probably it's not winning at all. That’s why I wanted to get a rook ending. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: Yes, that’s why I had to play 42...Nf4. Suddenly it became very concrete now. I think I am already saving this position. <br /><br />Later, If I play 46...Rh8+ 47.Bh7, and I can’t stop the g-pawn. <br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: Yes, that was my plan.<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: So, I started with 46...b6. And I am not sure about 47.Rf7. What if white goes 47.Rb7? <br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: Then 47...Nd5 comes. <br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: 47...Nd5 and 48...Nf6 is coming. Okay, 47.Rf7 Rd8 is my practical chance, and after 48...Rh8+ I got a counter. <br /><br />Even if I give my knight for a pawn, it should be a draw soon. <br /><br />After 50.Rf5+ I had to make a tough decision whether I should enter the rook ending or not. It was hard for me to understand. Maybe it was equal. <br /><br />Then I chose 50...Kd6. I thought 51.Rxf4 was the only try here. It could go on Kxd7 52.g5 Rxb2 53.Kf7 and I think I am fast enough.<br /><br />After the game move 51.Bxb5 I think it is easier for me to play. If white moves 52.Kf7, then it is 52...Rh7+ and direct draw. After 55...c4 it started to be very tricky and my opponent had to give the pawn back.<br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Harika, did you have a feeling that something went wrong in the game?<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: Yes, because I gave her one tempo and gave her 30.g4. Because of these two moves, I had got a very bad position. But I managed to equalize it. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Harika, what did you do yesterday? You had a free day. I wonder did you follow tie break games online or you tried to get some rest?<br /><br />Harika Dronavalli: No, definitely I did not see live games, but later I went online to check the results. I had so many playing days. I just wanted to have some rest. That is what I was doing during my free day. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Mariya, my question is to you. What about your sister? Did she decide to stay and help you?<br /><br />Mariya Muzychuk: My sister stayed here with me. I am very happy that she did not leave me. I hope that she could give me some good advices. <br /><br />Anastasia Karlovich: Thank you, dear girls for coming. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-78318701908456315562015-03-30T09:00:00.001-05:002015-03-30T09:00:06.756-05:00Polish Championship LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/717?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-26168217742183980372015-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T09:00:04.676-05:00Polish Women's Championship LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/718?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118012.post-85780524857192351532015-03-30T07:00:00.001-05:002015-03-30T07:00:00.789-05:00Women's World Championship in Sochi LIVE!<iframe src="https://arena.chessdom.com/tournaments/696?embed=580&amp;ba=1" style="border: none; height: 720px; margin-top: 30px; width: 567px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar</div>Chess Daily Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08623733406361333715noreply@blogger.com1